We seem to be living in a world that is getting less hospitable every day. Look closely at any endeavor our
species has engaged in and it appears we are unaware of the harm we do, we ignore the harm we do, we intentionally do harm
for our own gain, or sadly in some cases we do harm for our own pleasure and enjoyment.

Has no one taught us to do no harm?

If we haven't been taught to do no harm, we see no harm in doing harm. We cause
harm and shrug it off. We cause harm and laugh about it. We cause harm and brag about it.

Sadder still, our children bear witness to our actions and never learn to do no
harm themselves. Above all else we must teach our children, by example and instruction, this basic moral principle of life.

We must begin to make better choices and treat
each other, the other creatures who share this planet with us, and this planet we call home with greater respect and compassion.

We believe that the first and most basic moral
law is, "Do no harm." Because we can feel pain and suffering, we can imagine the pain and suffering of others, and
we can act accordingly to minimize the harm we cause.

What does "do no harm" mean? Ultimately it means to give thoughtful consideration to our actions.
“Do no harm” simply means to consider how our actions may affect the world we all share, to be compassionate in
our dealings with all creatures, and not to thoughtlessly despoil our planet.

Doctors are asked to “first do no harm,” why not lawyers, businessmen,
religious leaders and politicians? Why not us? Why not now?

It sounds like a simple idea because it is a simple idea, but it may be effective over the long run.
Will “do no harm” solve all the problems in our world? Perhaps not, but this is an effort to decrease the suffering
in the world and to increase the kindness.

We hope that “do no harm” becomes that little voice that guides our actions.

And we hope you will join us and spread the message "Do no harm."

Show everyone you care and use “Do no harm”
to sign-off in your correspondence in place of "Best Wishes", "Yours" or "Regards."

If you have a web site, be proud of your support and
add the words “Do No Harm” to the top of your home page where everyone will see it.

Be bold and creative in thinking of ways to expose as many as possible to the “Do
No Harm” message, but please, do no harm in doing so.

It is not necessary to mention the source of the message. This is certainly a case where the message
is far more important than the messengers. All we ask is that you practice do no harm and take every opportunity to share
the words "do no harm" with others.

If you wish to include this essay or link to the “Do No Harm” web page, please do; or if you wish to change
the wording or write your own, that's equally OK with us. If we are to change our world for the better, we simply must share
the “Do No Harm” message with family and friends, with neighbors and our community.